In the past 10-15 years, multiple research papers have demonstrated the relationship between poor diet and the incidence of disease. Diet-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and obesity have also been associated with cognitive decline, meaning the role of nutrition in the health of the brain should not be taken lightly.

1. The Mediterranean Diet
   

   Amongst the existing styles of eating, it is the Mediterranean diet that has shown to be the most useful in the prevention of AD, which correlates with the link between oxidative damage and AD. The Mediterranean diet owes its success to its high intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, many plant fibers, polyphenols and essential fatty acids which are extremely crucial for antioxidant status and therefore brain health. Essential fatty acids, in particular, can impressively increase the clearance of amyloid peptides and protects the structure of neuronal membranes. Also, essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA have triglyceride lowering properties which may help regarding the cardiovascular and metabolic pathogenesis of AD. Studies have demonstrated that patients with cognitive impairment can be treated with a high intake of essential fatty acids.

2. Curcumin
   

   Curcumin, which is an active compound found in the spice turmeric, has been well established as brain supportive. Curcumin is exceptionally anti-inflammatory and possesses antioxidant activity, making it a useful treatment for neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and Alzheimer’s treatment. As well as this, the low molecular weight of curcumin allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to beta-amyloid proteins, break them up and inhibit further accumulation.

3. Coconut oil
   

   Anecdotal evidence suggests that coconut oil has a beneficial use in the prevention of AD, due to its ability to provide the brain with ketones, which are used as fuel instead of glucose. Individuals have noted significant improvements to their memory by adding coconut oil to their diet. The current school of thought is that the principal ketones produced could provide damaged brain cells a main physiological alternative source of energy, as they may have lost their ability to use glucose. A small animal study demonstrated this by experimenting with high concentrations of amyloid beta protein and coconut oil – finding that coconut oil could improve cell survival by approximately 20-30%. Although this has been hypothesized, more long-term and clinically tested evidence is needed to understand the exact mechanism and effectiveness of coconut oil before it can be implemented as a treatment for AD.

In summary, it is crucial to view the pathology of cognitive decline and consequently dementia as a result of neuroinflammation, excessive oxidative damage and poor nutrition status. The factors which impact these biomarkers such as stress, low antioxidant intake, smoking, alcohol, environmental chemicals, and nutritional deficiencies should make up a large part of any treatment of cognitive decline. The Mediterranean diet, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and CoQ10 have positively demonstrated their roles in brain health, and their intake should be assessed accordingly. Research is now focusing more intently on the role of nutrition and lifestyle choices in AD, a much-needed change to what is typically a gloomy prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

For more information on the risk factors, diagnostic criteria and signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, see the Mindd Condition Profile for “Alzheimer’s Disease”.